Learn 실례합니다 for Polite Korean Manners: A Simple Guide to Sound More Respectful in Korean

Introduction

Spend even a single day in Korea, and you’ll hear polite expressions everywhere—on the subway, in cafés, in shops, and even between strangers. One of the most common is 실례합니다, a phrase that helps you move smoothly through everyday situations.
This post explains what it means, how to use it naturally, and why it’s an essential part of Korean manners.

What This Phrase Means

실례합니다 is often used in moments like:
(Example – 실례합니다, 지나가도 될까요?)
“Excuse me, may I pass through?”

Breakdown & Meaning

실례합니다 is a formal way to say “Excuse me” with a respectful, gentle tone. It signals that you might briefly inconvenience someone and want to acknowledge it politely.

• 실례 means “rudeness” or “discourtesy.”
• 합니다 turns it into a formal, courteous apology-in-advance.

People use it when personal space or attention is involved—passing through crowds, approaching strangers, or politely interrupting. It feels more formal than casual phrases like 잠시만요 or 저기요, making it ideal for public places, shops, and interactions with elders.

Because harmony and respectful communication are central in Korean culture, using 실례합니다 shows awareness and consideration. It’s one of those small expressions that helps you blend in naturally.

How to Use It in Real Life

Use 실례합니다 when you:

• Pass through a crowded subway aisle
• Walk past people in a small café
• Get someone’s attention in a store
• Approach an information desk
• Gently interrupt a conversation
• Squeeze past people without sounding abrupt

Usage Examples

1. 실례합니다, 이 자리 비었나요?
   Sillyehamnida, i jari bieonnayo?
   Excuse me, is this seat taken?

2. 실례합니다, 잠깐만 지나갈게요.
   Sillyehamnida, jamkkanman jinagallgeyo.
   Excuse me, I’ll just pass through.

3. 실례합니다, 혹시 길 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요?
   Sillyehamnida, hoksi gil jom yeojjwobwado doelkkayo?
   Excuse me, may I ask for directions?

4. 실례합니다, 떨어뜨리신 것 같아요.
   Sillyehamnida, tteoreotteurisin geot gatayo?
   Excuse me, I think you dropped something.

5. 실례합니다, 주문 도와드릴까요?
   Sillyehamnida, jumun dowadeurilkkayo?
   Excuse me, may I help you with your order?

Related Korean Expressions

• 저기요 (Jeogiyo): Excuse me; calling out to someone
• 잠시만요 (Jamsimanyo): Just a moment; often used when passing by
• 실례지만… (Sillyejiman…): Excuse me, but… (polite way to begin a question)
• 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida): I’m sorry (more apologetic than 실례합니다)

Why This Phrase Helps You Learn Faster

실례합니다 is short, practical, and useful from your first day in Korea. It instantly boosts confidence because it lets you speak politely, even with limited vocabulary.

It also offers insight into Korean culture—how people show respect, maintain harmony, and soften interactions in public spaces. You’ll hear it everywhere: in cafés, on buses, in markets, and at workplaces. Using it naturally helps you avoid misunderstandings and communicate with warmth and consideration.

Closing

Now that you know how to use 실례합니다, try saying it the next time you pass someone in a hallway or need someone’s attention. It’s a simple phrase, but it carries genuine respect and thoughtfulness.
Keep practicing, and you’ll find yourself blending into everyday Korean conversations with much more ease.

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Learning Korean today?
Here are more helpful expressions for everyday conversation:

• “괜찮아요” – Meaning & Easy Examples
• “이거 얼마예요?” – Shopping & Price Phrases

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